Retractable basketball goal

ABSTRACT

The invention concerns a basketball goal which can be folded into a compact unit and lowered into a well-like cavity in the floor of a gymnasium or arena. The cavity may then be closed by a trap door to present a continuous, uninterrupted floor surface at the goal structure location. The basketball goal structure is carried upon an upright post and includes an arm cantilevered from this post which, in turn, carries the backstop and goal ring. When this basketball goal structure is to be retracted into the wall, the arm, the backstop and the goal ring fold together and against one side of the post. Thus, the well into which this structure is lowered includes a shaft to receive the post and a slot-like pocket at the well opening to receive this folded assemblage of other components. Electrically or hydraulically operated mechanisms and mechanical linkages effect the folding and extension of the arm, backstop and goal ring. Other mechanisms are provided to lower or raise the post into and out of the well.

United States Patent [1 1 Beveridge [451 May6, 1975 1 RETRACTABLEBASKETBALL GOAL [76] Inventor: James F. Beveridge, Box 491,

[52] US. Cl. 273/15 R; 52/111 [51] Int. Cl A63b 63/04 [58] Field ofSearch 273/15, 55 R; 55/111 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS1,264,063 4/1918 Guichard........................1. 52/111 X 2,227,31012/1940 Hoppes et a1. 273/15 R 2,819,547 1/1958 Clements......... 52/111X 2,884,252 4/1959 Thompson 273/55 R 2,958,528 1/1960Wikelund................ 273/15 R 3,018,102 1/1962 Murphy 1 273/15 R3,137,502 6/1964 Doganich 273/15 R 3,286,682 11/1966 Cook et a1. 52/111X FORElGN PATENTS OR APPLICATlONS 295,440 3/1913 Germany 52/111 OTHERPUBLICATIONS Jamison Playground Equipment 1971.

Primary ExaminerPaul E. Shapiro Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Horace B, VanValkenburgh; Frank C. Lowe [57] ABSTRACT The invention concerns abasketball goal which can be folded into a compact unit and lowered intoa welllike cavity in the floor of a gymnasium or arena. The cavity maythen be closed by a trap door to present a continuous, uninterruptedfloor surface at the goal structure location.

The basketball goal structure is carried upon an upright post andincludes an arm cantilevered from this post which, in turn, carries thebackstop and goal ring. When this basketball goal structure is to beretracted into the wall, the arm, the backstop and the goal ring foldtogether and against one side of the post. Thus, the well into whichthis structure is lowered includes a shaft to receive the post and aslot-like pocket at the well opening to receive this folded assemblageof other components. Electrically or hydraulically operated mechanismsand mechanical linkages effect the folding and extension of the arm,backstop and goal ring. Other mechanisms are provided to lower or raisethe post into and out of the well.

14 Claims, 27 Drawing Figures PATENTEB HAY 6 I975 PEJENIEBHAY B|975SHEET 5 OF 7 Fig. 20

PATENTED HAY 6 I975 SHEET 70F 7 1 R ETRACTABLE BASKETBALL GOAL Thisinvention relates to game equipment, and more particularly to basketballgoal structures. A primary object of the invention is to provide a noveland improved construction of a retractable basketball goal and theinvention will be designated as such.

Many sports arenas are designed for multi-purpose uses, such asgymnastic displays, track events and games, such as basketball andvolleyball. In each instance, the arena must be prepared for a selectedevent or game by providing suitable field equipment. In the case ofbasketball, the goal structures, that is, the backboards and baskets,will be the necessary field equipment. Both portable and retractablegoal structures are commonly used for basketball goals. The portablegoals, such as wheel mounted types, can be quite bulky and retractablegoal structures are preferred. Retractable goal structures are oftensuspended above the floor of a gymnasium or on the walls thereof, to belowered into place when they are needed.

However, where a basketball court is to be located in a large gymnasiumor in an open air arena, it may not be possible to suspend the goalstructures in any practical manner and considerable difficulty may beencountered is providing suitable goal structures which can be easilymoved into place when they are needed, and quickly and easily removedwhen not needed. It has been proposed to tip a basketball goal structureinto a pit below the floor of the gymnasium, as in US. Pat. No.3,018,102, by providing trap doors over the pit which become part of thefloor structure of the gymnasium when they are closed. However, a pitwhich is proportioned to receive the backboard, the net and thesupporting post structure forming the basketball goal, must be quitelarge and require a large, heavy trap door, and such is usuallyundesirable.

The present invention was conceived and developed with the above andother considerations in view, and the invention comprises, in essence, aretractable goal structure for basketball which will drop into a well inthe floor of the gymnasium, or arena. The well may then be covered by atrap door at the floor so the floor may be used for other purposes.which,

It follows that another object of the invention is to provide a noveland improved construction ofa retractable basketball goal structurewhihc is supported upon a post extending from a well in the floor of thegymnasium, and which may be retracted into this well whenever thebasketball goal structure is not needed. p Another object of theinvention is to provide a novel and improved basketball goal structure,including a post, which upstands from and is retractable into a well inthe floor of the gymnasium, which carries a cantilevered arm which inturn, carries the backstop and goal ring at its extended end so the wellfrom whihc the post extends may be located away from the edge of thehasketball court and out of the way of players.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel and improvedretractable basketball goal structure including a post which upstandsfrom and is retractable into a well in the gymnasium floor, andincluding other components which fold against the post when the goalstructure is to be retracted, to thereby permit the entire structure tofit into a comparatively small well.

Another object of the invention is to provide the unique design of abasketball goal structure which may be withdrawn into a well when not inuse, and which provides a trap door to cover the well as a continuousfloor surface when the goal structure is not needed.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel and improvedbasketball goal structure which is mounted upon a post extending from awell in the floor of a gymnasium, and which is easily adjusted in heightby varying the extension of the post from the well.

Other objects of the invention are to provide a novel and improvedretractable basketball goal which is a simple, neat appearing, easilyoperated and economical structure and which permits the installation ofequipment for basketball games at areas where the same is not feasibleat the present time.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, my present inventioncomprises certain constructions, combinations and arrangements of partsand elements as hereinafter described, defined in the appended claimsand illustrated in preferred embodiment by the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective frontal view ofa preferred embodiment of aretractable basketball goal constructed according to the invention, thegoal being in an extended position as for use;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view looking toward the rear of the basketballgoal;

FIG. 3 is a right side elevational view of the extended basketball goalstructure, as taken from the indicated arrow 3 of FIG. 2, with the wellwherein the unit is contained being shown in section and with brokenlines showing the basketball goal in its retracted position;

FIG, 4 is a rear view of the goal structure at the top of the supportpost, that is, the support arm and the backboard, as taken from theindicated arrow 4 of FIGv FIG. 5 is a plan view of the goal structure atthe top of the support post;

FIG. 6 is a left side elevational view of the upper portion of the postand of the support arm and the goal structure at a partially foldedposition;

FIG, 7 is a left side elevational view of the backstop and ring foldedagainst the post and rectracted into the well, with the well being shownin section, and with the lower portions of the well and post beingbroken away to conserve space;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary section as taken from the indicated line 88 ofFIG. 3, but on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary sectional detail as taken from the indicatedline 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary sectional detail as taken from the indicatedline 10-10 of FIG. 4, but on an enlarged scale and with portions brokenaway to show parts hidden from view;

FIG. ll is a fragmentary sectional detail as taken from the indicatedline 11-11 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary side view of hinge connector portions of a pairof struts which hold the backstop in position;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary side view similar to FIG. 12, but showing thestrut folded about the hinge;

FIG. 14 is an end view of the folded struts as taken from the indicatedarrow 14 of FIG. I3, but on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 15 is a plan view of the floor section where the goal pit islocated, but with the pit closed by trap doors from line l5l5 of FIG. 7,with portions of the structure broken away and other portions in brokenlines to show parts otherwise hidden from view,

FIG. 16 is a sectional detail as taken from the indicated line I6I6 ofFIG. 7, but on a reduced scale,

FIG. 17 is a fragment of the showing of FIG. 16 but on an enlargedscale;

FIG. 18 is a perspective frontal view similar to FIG. I but showing thewell in section and illustrating a modified embodiment of the inventionwhere the retractable basketball goal is carried upon a telescopic post;

FIG. 19 is a left side elevational view with the well in section,similar to FIG. 3, but with the backstop and ring being folded againstthe post preparatory to retracting the same into the well and withportions of elements broken away to show parts otherwise hidden fromview;

FIG. 20 is a vertical sectional veiw through the post as taken from theindicated line 20-20 of FIG. 18 but on an enlarged scale and withportions broken away to conserve space;

FIG. 21 is a transverse sectional view as takes from the indicated line2I2l of FIG. 19 but on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 22 is a fragmentary sectional detail as taken from the indicatedline 2222 of FIG. 21 but with portions broken away to conserve space;

FIG. 23 is a perspective frontal view similar to FIG. 1 but showing asecond modified embodiment where the components are actuated byhydraulic means;

FIG. 24 is a left side sectional elevational view of the post and wellportion of the structure as taken from the indicated line 24-24 of FIG.23, but on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 25 is a transverse sectional view as taken from the indicated line25-25 of FIG. 24 but on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 26 is a fragmentary sectional portion as taken from the indicatedline 2626 of FIG. 25 but with portions broken away to conserve space;and

FIG. 27 is a left side sectional elevational view similar to a portionof the showing of FIG. 24 but illustrating a third modification of thepost structure where a telescopic post is combined with a hydraulicjack.

Referring first to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-17,the retractable basketball goal G includes a backstop B with a netsupporting goal ring R outstanding from the lower edge of the backstop,as in FIGS. 1-3. These members are carried upon the extended end of afoldable arm A which, in turn, is cantilevered from the top of anupright standard or post P. The post P, in turn, upstands from a well Win the floor F of a gymnasium or arena where the basketball game is tobe played. The well W is offset from the boundary line L of thebasketball court so that the post is out of the way of the players.Thus, the reach of the arm A places the backstop B and the goal ring Rat a proper position with respect to the boundary line L.

The post P is adapted to be retracted into the well W and the well isclosed by trap doors or a cover C, as will be hereinafter described, butfirst the cantilevered arm A will swing downwardly and alongside thepost P. At the same time, the backboard B and basket ring R will befolded against the arm into a compact package to fit into an enlargedpocket S at one side of the well, all as hereinafter described indetail.

The post P is square sectioned, and is preferably a tubular member 30 ofaluminum or the like. The length of this post P is such as to permit itto be extended to a height sufficient to hold the backstop B and goalring R at a maximum desired elevation. The post P also extends into thewell W a depth which is sufficient to be securely held in a verticalposition by guides 31 within the well, as hereinafter further described.The post P is also adjustable in the well to vary the elevation of thebackstop B and goal ring R, as from a minimum of, say for example, 6feet to a maximum of 12 feet.

The base end of the arm A is pivotally connected to the top of the postP through a U-shaped yoke 32, whih is attached to the underside of thbase end of this arm. The legs of this yoke 32 terminate as bearingswhich connect with shaft members 33 outstanding from opposite sides of acrown plate 34 at the top of the post P. Accordingly, the arm is offsetfrom its pivotal connection at the shaft members 33, and thus, it mayswing downwardly from its extended, cantilevered position to a retractedposition alongside and parallel to the post. The yoke 32 spaces the armA a short distance from the post P when retracted to accomodatecomponents which will lie between the arm and the post, as will bedescribed.

The shaft members 33 lie in a common axial alignment to extend from eachside of the post to connect with the legs of the yoke 32. However, theshaft members 33 are spaced apart at the center of the crown plate 34 topermit a reversible motor 35 to be mounted upon this crown plate 34directly above the post. This motor, which will include a speed reducer,will rotate a lead screw 36 which extends downwardly alongside the post.A strut 37 connected to this lead screw, connects with the arm A andthus the lead screw will hold, and will lower and raise the arm A as nowdescribed.

The cantilevered arm A is formed as a pair of rectangular, tubulartelescopic members with a smaller base tube 38 connecting to the yoke32, as heretofore described, and a larger extension tube 39telescopically fitted upon the base tube 32. This extension tube 39 willreach from the base tube 38 when the arm is extended to its cantileveredposition and will be retracted upon the base tube when the arm is swungdownwardly alongside the post, as illustrated in FIG. 7. A suitablestop, such as hereinafter described, is provided to limit the extensionof the extension tube 39 upon the base tube 38 of the arm. The arm A issupported by the strut 37, and the upper end of the strut 37 ispivotally connected to a pair of ears 40 at the underside of that end ofthe extension tube 38 nearest the base end of the arm. The lower end ofthe strut is pivotally connected to a clevis nut 41 on the lead screw36.

This clevis nut 41, carried upon the lead screw, is formed with a pairof lateral flanges 42 at its backside which slidably tit into grooves 43of a guideway 44 connected to the post, as best shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.The guideway 44 restricts the movement of the nut to a path up and downthe post and the movement of the nut is effected by rotation of the leadscrew 36. Thus, when the lead screw moves downwardly along the track,the arm A will be lowered, and at the same time, the extension tube 39will telescopically retract upon the base tube 38 of the arm, as to theposition shown in FIG. 7. Upward movement of the nut along the guideway44, by reverse rotation of the lead screw, will swing the arm upwardlyto its cantilevered position and at the same time, the extension tube 38will telescopically extend upon the base tube 37, as best shown in FIG.3.

When the goal is at its extended position, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3,the backstop B will be in a vertical plane and the basket ring R,carried upon a short arm 45, will lie in front of the backstop in ahorizontal plane near the base of the backstop. At the same time, thecantilevered support arm may extend horizontally from the post or,preferably, be inclined about l530, upwardly toward the backstop asillustrated in FIG. 3, When the arm A is to be folded alongside the postP, it is necessary that the backstop be rotated about its connection tothe arm A to lie alongside the arm. Accordingly, the backstop ispivotally connected to the arm by a shaft 50, as in FIGS. 4 and 6,secured to lugs 51 outstanding from the backstop backwall. The shaft 50connects with ears 52 upstanding from opposite sides of the end of theextension member 39 of the arm A, as illustrated in FIG. 10.

To rotate the backstop from its vertical position to a position againstthe arm, a foldable linkage is provided which responds to the telescopicmovement of the extension tube 39 upon the base tube 38 of the arm, asbest shown in FIG. 6. To maintain lateral stability of the apparatus,this linkage consists of two sets of struts in mirror opposition to eachother from the vertical center plane of the unit. These strut membersmay be structural channels or tubes which can resist both compressionand bending forces. Each set includes a strut 54 having one endpivotally connected to the base end of the base tube 38, as at pivot 55of FIGS. 3 and 6. One end of an intermediate rocker strut S6 ispivotally connected to the extended end of the base strut, as at pivot57. The central portion of the intermediate rocker strut is pivotallyconnected to a shaft 58 at the top of the extension tube 39 of the armA. To complete a strut set, one end of an extension strut 59 ispivotally connected to the extended end of the intermediate strut 56 asat pivot 60 and the opposite end of this extension strut 59 is pivotallyconnected to a shaft 61 held at the backside of the backstop by ears 62,as in FIG. 3.

To better obtain lateral stability of the backstop B, each extensionstrut 59 is angled so that it will flare outwardly, so the opposingstruts 59 will connect to the backstop at spaced apart positions, asbest illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. The lengths of the struts 54, 56 and59 are proportioned to cause the intermediate rocker strut to rock aboutits shaft 58 when the extension tube 39 telescopes over the base tube 38of the arm A, as shown in FIG. 6. This pulls the extension strut 59toward the base end of the arm to commence folding the backstop upon thearm. At the same time, the extension strut 59 folds against theintermediate strut 56, about the pivot 60, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and13. It is to be noted that each intermediate strut 56 and its extensionstrut 59 will fold together at a comparatively tight angle when thestructure is fully retracted, as shown in FIG. 7, and accordingly, thestrut 56 must be formed as a channellike member, at least adjacent tothe pivot 60, to permit the strut 69 to fold into the strut 56 as shownin FIGS. 13 and 14.

When the goal structure moves from its retracted position to theextended position by upward movement of the arm A, the extension tube 39will extend on the base tube 38, as heretofore described. At the sametime, the intermediate strut 56 will rotate to push the backstop B toits upright vertical position. The limit of this rotation will be whenthe intermediate strut 56 and the extension strut 59 move intoalignment, as shown in FIG. 12. This limiting movement is established bya channel-shaped stop 63 secured to the intermediate strut 56 to engagethe extension strut 59, as best shown in FIG. 12. At the same time, thebackstop B will swing about the shaft until the lower corner of the endof the extension tube 39 is contacted. A toothed lug 64 is provided atthis lower corner of the arm tube 39 to intermesh with a mating lug 65on the backboard at this limiting position, as best shown in FIG. 10.

When the backstop swings against the arm A, the basketball goal ring Rwill swing in the opposite direction to also lie against the arm A andthis swinging movement is effected responsive to the rotation of thebackstop with respect to the arm A. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the goalring arm 45 extends underneath the backstop to pivotally connect withears 66 depending from each side of the extension member 39 of the armA. The end of the basket ring arm 45 carries a shaft 67 which is lockedthereto, as by a pin 68, and this shaft extends through the ears 66 tocarry a gear sector 69 at each side of the arm A. Each gear sector islocked to the shaft 67 by a key 70, as illustrated in FIG. 11.

This gear sector 69 engages an opposing gear sector 71 which is centeredat the shaft 50, about which the arm A rotates, and is secured to thebackstop. The comparative diameters of the gear sectors 69 and 71 issuch that, when the backboard rotates from its upright position to aretracted position to lie alongside the upper side of the arm A, thebasket ring arm 45 will rotate in the opposite direction from its normalhorizontal position outstanding from the arm to a retracted positionalongside the underside of the arm, as best shown in FIG. 7.

Once the goal structure is prepared for retraction by swinging the armA, the backstop B and the goal ring R to their retracted positionsalongside the post, the goal structure may then be lowered into the wellW. This well W in the floor of the gymnasium or arena where thestructure is located may be formed in any suitable structuralarrangement. If the arena floor is at ground level, this well may beformed of reinforced concrete, as indicated in the drawings. It may alsobe formed as a steel sleeve or the like.

The well W includes a shaft 75 which extends into the ground a depthsufficient to receive the post P, as in FIG. 7. The guides 31 are formedas pairs of opposing U-shaped plates secured in the shaft to slidablyembrace the sides of the post. One pair of guides 31 is located near thetop of the shaft and another pair of guides 31 is located at a greaterdepth within the shaft,

at a position near the lower end of the post when the post is extendedupwardly. The well W also includes the side pocket S to receive the arm,backstop and goal ring when these members are folded to a retractedposition alongside the post. The pocket S is sufficiently deep to alsoprovide a base 76 for mounting a motor 77 for lifting the post out ofthe well. The motor 77 is preferably a high torque electrical type whichincorporates a speed reducing head geared for comparatively slow speedrotation. In the arrangement illustrated, the motor carries a drivepinion 78 which engages an idler gear 79 carried upon the motorframework. The idler gear, in turn, engages a rack 80 affixed to thepost P, as in the manner illustrated in FIG. 7. The power sources,switch controls and limit switches for the post lifting motor 77 and thearm lifting motor 35, heretofore described, are not shown, since theyare conventional arrangements, connected to the motors and apparatus inany conventional manner. These motors will be turned off and on by theswitch controls. The limit switches will not permit the goal structureto move beyond the fully extended or fully retracted position, nor thepost to move beyond its fully extended or fully retracted positions fromand within the well. Other manual switches may be used to vary theheight of the goal, when it is desired to use the same at heights lessthan the fully extended position. Switching systems for such operationsare entirely conventional and hence need not be described.

The well shaft 75 and pocket S are closed by trap doors 81 and 82. Whenthe apparatus is fully retracted as shown in FIG. 7, these doors lieupon a rabbeted shelf 83 at the entrance of the well and pocket, and areflush with the floor when they are closed to form a continuation of thefloor. The shaft door 81 is hinged as at 84, at the edge opposite itsjuncture with the pocket door 82 and the larger pocket door is hinged at85, at the edge opposite the juncture with the shaft door, as indicatedin FIGS. 7 and 15. Various means for latching the doors in their closedposition are possible and a preferred mode of connection is shown inFIG. 15, where a compound drawbolt structure 86 includes bolts 87extending to opposite sides of the pocket door 82 and a short bolt 88extending into the end of the shaft door, as illustrated. This boltstructure 86 is formed with a key operated, rotatable head 89 to permitthese bolts 87 and 88 to operate simultaneously to extend to close orretract to open whenever the goal structure is to be used.

in use, the retracted goal structure is first raised out of the well.The arm and backboard are then lifted to their extended positions. Thenext step is to close the pocket door 82, as shown in FIG. 1. The shaftdoor 81, however, must necessarily remain open to permit the post toreach upwardly through the floor structure. Thus, when the basketballgoal is in use, the only opening through the floor will be at the smallshaft gate 81.

The modified embodiment of the basketball goal structure shown in FIGS.18-22 is, in many respects, similarto the goal structure hereinbeforedescribed. However, the post P is formed as a series of tubular memberswhich telescope together when retracted and thus reduce the depth of thewell W and, as shown in the drawings, the depth of this well W may bethe same as the depth of the pocket S. The number of the telescopicmembers making up this post P is not critical, and the drawingsillustrate four such members, including a base tube 100 which is rigidlysecured in place in the well W. This securement will include a plate 101which is welded to the bottom of the tube 100 and bolted to the floor ofthe well W, as at 102. To resist vibration and tipping forces when thepost is extended, the top of the base tube is secured to the wall of thewell, as by a connector 103.

A first extension tube 100a extends from the base tube, a secondextension tube 100b extends from the first, and a third top extensiontube 100( extends from the second and carries a crown plate 34 at itstop. The crown plate 34', in turn, carries shaft members 33 to hold theyoke 32 of an arm structure A. The arm A supports a backstop B, a goalring R, and the linkage which folds the backstop and ring against thearm when the arm is retracted to lie alongside the post. Thesecomponents are the same as heretofore described.

The crown plate 34' is extended from the top section of the post tosupport a modified guide 44 which is connected to and descends from thecrown plate 34, rather than being connected to the post, as heretoforedescribed. This is necessary because the guideway 44' cannot beconnected to the top extension tube 1006 of the post. Instead, when thepost is extended, this guide 44' will extend downwardly to the top thefirst extension tube a to be slidably carried upon a clip 104outstanding from the top of section 1000. The guideway 44' has grooves43 at its face to slidably hold a clevis nut 41 of the arm lifting strut37, as heretofore described. Also, the backside of the guideway 44' isformed with opposing grooves 105 which embrace outstanding fingers 106on the clip 104. The lead screw 36 is rotated by a motor 35 is mountedupon the crown plate 34' and functions to raise and lower the clevis nut41, the same as heretofore described.

Accordingly, whenever the arm A, backstop B and ring R are retracted tolie alongside the post, the post may be telescopically withdrawn intothe well W' and the other components will be lowered into the pocket S.When so lowered, the guideway 44' will slide downwardly along the clip104 to lie alongside the base section of the post when the post is fullyretracted. Abutment members 107 are provided on this base section of thepost to engage the guide when the post is collapsed, to stabilize theguide which is otherwise held only by the connection at the crown plate34'.

This telescopic post is raised and lowered by a compound screw jack 108within the post which consists of several threaded tubular sectionswhich telescope together when the jack is lowered. The jack includes acylindrical base section 109 which is secured to the plate 101 at thebottom of the post. A smaller intermediate section 110 is formed as anexternally threaded cylinder which turns into a nut 111 at the top ofthe base section 109 to extend thereinto. A smaller upper section 112 isformed as a threaded rod which turns into a nut 113 at the top of theintermediate section to extend thereinto. The top end of the uppersection 112 extends upwardly through a thrust bearing 114 and thencethrough an opening in the crown plate 34' to connect with a motorreducer drive 115. Blocks 116 and 117 are at the base of the threadedreaches of the respective intermediate section 110 and upper section 112to limit their upward movement from their respective nuts 111 and 113.

The screw jack structure is essentially conventional and may best bedescribed through its mode of opera tion. Whenever the motor reducerunit commences to rotate, as to raise the unit, the upper section screwis first rotated and extended to its limit and stopped by the block 117.Next, the intermediate section rotates to its extended limit and whenthe post is fully extended, the intermediate section is stopped by itsblock 116. It is contemplated that this movement will also be correlatedwith limit switches to halt the action of the motor reducer unit 115 atthe fully extended and fully retracted positions of the post. Loweringthe post into the well W will be effected by opposite rotation of thisscrew jack. Suitable limit and safety switches, not shown, are providedto require the arm A, the backstop B and the goal ring R to be foldedagainst the post before lowering begins, and also to require the trapdoors 81 and 82 at the floor to be open to permit the assembly to belowered into the well W and pocket 8'.

FIGS. 23-26 show yet another embodiment of the retractable basketballgoal which essentially the same construction as the embodiment shown inFIGS. I through 17, excepting that the unit shown in FIGS. 2326 isoperated by a hydraulic system. As shown in FIG. 23, the basketball goalstructure G includes a backstop B and a goal ring R carried upon an armA. The arm A cantilevers from the top of a post P to support thebackstop and goal ring when the post, arm and goal structure are attheir extended position. The post P upstands from and may be retractedinto a well W. When the post is to be retracted into the well W, and thearm and goal structure G are to be retracted into the pocket S alongsidethe well, the arm A swings downwardly to lie alongside the post. At thesame time, the goal ring R swings to lie alongside side the arm A. Theassembly may then be lowered into the well W and pocket S, all asheretofore described. However, the movements of these components areeffected by hydraulic cylinders instead of electrical motors.

A first cylinder 120 is mounted upon a support 121 at the base of theguideway 44 and the piston of that cylinder connects with one side of aclevis not 41" which slides in the grooves 43 of the guideway 44. Thehydraulic cylinder 120 is preferably a two stage or a three stage unit,as shown, and suitable hydraulic lines are indicated as connecting withthis cylinder at 122 to operate this cylinder to raise and lower thebackstop, as such becomes necessary. The lines to a hydraulic cylinderare not shown in detail, since they are conventional. These lines willconnect with suitable control valves 123 which may be convenientlymounted in the pocket S, as shown in FIG. 24. The lines also extend inany suitable manner, not shown, from a control valve 123 to a pump andreservoir indicated diagrammatically at 124 to complete a hydrauliccircuit, in a conventional manner.

A second cylinder 125 is mounted within the post P with its base at thebottom of the well W and the end of its piston being at the crown plate34 at the top of the post. This cylinder may be a single stage, or amultiple-stage unit, as illustrated. A single pressure line 126 connectsinto the base of the cylinder 125 to extend to a line form a controlvalve 127 and thence to the pump and reservoir 124. The raising andlowering of this post P by operating control valve 127 may be correlatedwith the action of valve 123 to require that the goal structure belowered to its retracted position alongside the post before the post canbe lowered into the well.

Other restrictive means, such as limit switches, may also be used in aconventional manner to assure proper operation of the apparatus when itis being extended from the retracted into the well.

FIG. 27 illustrates a telescopic post P which is mounted within a shaft75 alongside a pocket S much in the same manner as illustrated in FIG.18. This post is provided with a crown plate 34' wherein the arm A of agoal structure may be attached. The structural details of the arm A andof a guideway 44' which will be suspended from the plate 34' are notshown herein, since they may also be the same as the arrangementillustrated in FIGS. 18 through 22. In lieu ofa screw jack 108 withinthe telescopic post, as heretofore shown. this telescopic post shown inFIG. 27 is raised and lowered by a hydraulic cylinder 125' which ismounted within the post with its base being at a plate I01 securing thebottom of the post to the bottom of the well W The hydraulic cylinder isoperated in the same manner as heretofore described, as by a pressureline 126' at the bottom of the cylinder which extends to a suitablecontrol valve, pump and reservoir arrangement, such as heretoforedescribed.

I have now described my invention in considerable detail. However, it isobvious that others skilled in the art can build and devise alternateand equivalent constructions which are nevertheless within the spiritand scope of my invention. Hence, I desire that my protection be limitednot by the constructions illustrated and described, but only by theproper scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A retractable basketball structure comprising:

a post movable between a lower retracted position and an upper, uprightextended position;

means for moving said post between said retracted and extendedpositions;

an arm pivotally cantilevered from the top of said post; a backstop anda goal ring pivotally connected to the extended end of the arm;

extension and retraction means to normally hold said arm at itscantilevered position and to swing said arm downwardly to a retractedposition alongside theh post; and

a linkage means associated with the backstop, ring and arm to rotate thebackstop and the ring to a position alongside the arm as the arm islowered to its retracted position alongside the post, whereby to providea compact arrangement of components.

2. The organization defined in claim 1, wherein:

the retraction means to swing the arm from its cantilevered position tothe retracted position alongside the post includes a strut having itsupper end connecting with the arm and its lower end connecting with alowering means at the post.

3. In the organization defined in claim 2, wherein:

the lowering means comprises a screw jack.

4. In the organization defined in claim 2, wherein:

the lowering means comprises a hydraulic cylinder.

5. In the organization defined in claim 2, wherein:

said arm is formed as a pair of telescoping members, with a first memberbeing pivotally connected to the top of the post and with a secondmember telescoping from the first member to slidably extend therefromwhen the arm is at a cantilevered position;

the upper end of the aforesaid strut is connected to the base end of thesaid second member, whereby the two members will telescope togetherwhenever the arm is lowered to a position alongside the post; and

said linkage means associated with the arm and the backstop includes:

a rocker strut connected to the second member, a base strut connectingone end of the rocker strut with the base of the first said arm memberand an extension strut connecting the opposite end of the rocker strutwith the backstop, whereby the telescopic movement of the aforesaidsecond arm member into the first said member will effect rocking of therocker strut and swinging of the backstop against the arm.

6. A retractable basketball structure comprising:

a post movable between a lower retracted position and on upper. uprightextended position.

means for moving said post between said retracted and extendedpositions;

an arm pivotally contilevered from the top of said post;

a back stop and goal ring pivotally connected to the end of the arm; and

said pivotal connections of the backstop to the arm and the goal ring tothe arm, at the extended end of the arm, are spaced apart and gearsegments in terconnect the components for these pivotal connections,whereby movement of the backstop to lie against the arm will effect acorresponding opposite movement of the goal ring to lie against the opposite side of the arm.

7. In combination with a well in the floor of a gymnasium or like arena,a retractable basketball structure mounted upon a post extendable fromthe well and comprising in combination therewith:

means to raise the post from a shaft of the well to upstand from thegymnasium floor above the well and to lower the post into the shaft toretract the same, said shaft being of a depth sufficient to receive thepost and permit it to be lowered below the floor;

a pocket in the floor of the gymnasium alongside and contiguous with theshaft to receive the goal structure when the post is lowered into thewell whereby the post and goal structure will be below the gymnasiumfloor when the same is at its retracted position;

a telescoping arm pivotally mounted on the upper end of said post;backstop and a goal ring pivotally mounted at the end of said arm; meansextending and retracting said arm and moving said arm between atelescoped retracted position along side said post and an extendedposition extending from the end of said post; and

means for pivoting said backstop and goal ring about the end of said armis extended or retracted, in order to position said backstop in anupright position and said goal ring in a horizontal position when saidarm is fully extended and to position said back stop and goal ring in afolded position against said arm when said arm is retracted to aposition alongside said post.

8. In the combination set forth in claim 7, wherein the means to raiseand lower the post includes a rack upon the post and a drive meansincluding a pinion engaging the rack.

9. In the combination set forth in claim 7, wherein the means to raiseand lower the post includes a screw jack means.

10. In the combination set forth in claim 7, wherein said post is asingle tubular member, and means in the well to slidably hold the postin vertical alignment when it moves into and out of the well.

H. in the combination set forth in claim 7, wherein said post comprisestelescoping tubular members, with the outer member being securely heldin the well.

12. In combination with a well in the floor of a gymnasium or likearena, a retractable basketball structure mounted upon a post extendablefrom the well and comprising in combination therewith:

a. means to raise the post from a shaft of the well to upstand from thegymnasium floor above the well and to lower the post into the shaft toretract the same to a generally upright position, said shaft being of adepth sufficient to receive the post and permit it to be lowered belowthe floor;

b an arm pivotally mounted at one end adjacent the upper end of saidpost, said arm pivotally carrying a backstop and a goal ring adjacentits outer end;

c means for pivoting said arm upwardly to an extended position, whensaid post is moved upwardly;

d. means for moving said backstop and goal ring into perpendicularrelationship when said arm is extended;

er means for pivoting said arm downwardly to be disposed alongside saidpost when said post is retracted; and

f. means for pivoting said backstop and said goal ring to positionsalongside said arm when in retracted position.

13. In the combination of claim l2, wherein:

the end of said arm pivotally connected to said post is angularlyoffset.

14. In the combination of claim 13, wherein:

the remainder of said arm is telescopically extensible and retractable.

1. A retractable basketball structure comprising: a post movable between a lower retracted position and an upper, upright extended position; means for moving said post between said retracted and extended positions; an arm pivotally cantilevered from the top of said post; a backstop and a goal ring pivotally connected to the extended end of the arm; extension and retraction means to normally hold said arm at its cantilevered position and to swing said arm downwardly to a retracted position alongside theh post; and a linkage means associated with the backstop, ring and arm to rotate the backstop and the ring to a position alongside the arm as the arm is lowered to its retracted position alongside the post, whereby to provide a compact arrangement of components.
 2. The organization defined in claim 1, wherein: the retraction means to swing the arm from its cantilevered position to the retracted position alongside the post includes a strut having its upper end connecting with the arm and its lower end connecting with a lowering means at the post.
 3. In the organization defined in claim 2, wherein: the lowering means comprises a screw jack.
 4. In the organization defined in claim 2, wherein: the lowering means comprises a hydraulic cylinder.
 5. In the organization defined in claim 2, wherein: said arm is formed as a pair of telescoping members, with a first member being pivotally connected to the top of the post and with a second member telescoping from the first member to slidably extend therefrom when the aRm is at a cantilevered position; the upper end of the aforesaid strut is connected to the base end of the said second member, whereby the two members will telescope together whenever the arm is lowered to a position alongside the post; and said linkage means associated with the arm and the backstop includes: a rocker strut connected to the second member, a base strut connecting one end of the rocker strut with the base of the first said arm member and an extension strut connecting the opposite end of the rocker strut with the backstop, whereby the telescopic movement of the aforesaid second arm member into the first said member will effect rocking of the rocker strut and swinging of the backstop against the arm.
 6. A retractable basketball structure comprising: a post movable between a lower retracted position and on upper, upright extended position; means for moving said post between said retracted and extended positions; an arm pivotally contilevered from the top of said post; a back stop and goal ring pivotally connected to the end of the arm; and said pivotal connections of the backstop to the arm and the goal ring to the arm, at the extended end of the arm, are spaced apart and gear segments interconnect the components for these pivotal connections, whereby movement of the backstop to lie against the arm will effect a corresponding opposite movement of the goal ring to lie against the opposite side of the arm.
 7. In combination with a well in the floor of a gymnasium or like arena, a retractable basketball structure mounted upon a post extendable from the well and comprising in combination therewith: means to raise the post from a shaft of the well to upstand from the gymnasium floor above the well and to lower the post into the shaft to retract the same, said shaft being of a depth sufficient to receive the post and permit it to be lowered below the floor; a pocket in the floor of the gymnasium alongside and contiguous with the shaft to receive the goal structure when the post is lowered into the well whereby the post and goal structure will be below the gymnasium floor when the same is at its retracted position; a telescoping arm pivotally mounted on the upper end of said post; a backstop and a goal ring pivotally mounted at the end of said arm; means extending and retracting said arm and moving said arm between a telescoped retracted position along side said post and an extended position extending from the end of said post; and means for pivoting said backstop and goal ring about the end of said arm is extended or retracted, in order to position said backstop in an upright position and said goal ring in a horizontal position when said arm is fully extended and to position said backstop and goal ring in a folded position against said arm when said arm is retracted to a position alongside said post.
 8. In the combination set forth in claim 7, wherein the means to raise and lower the post includes a rack upon the post and a drive means including a pinion engaging the rack.
 9. In the combination set forth in claim 7, wherein the means to raise and lower the post includes a screw jack means.
 10. In the combination set forth in claim 7, wherein said post is a single tubular member, and means in the well to slidably hold the post in vertical alignment when it moves into and out of the well.
 11. In the combination set forth in claim 7, wherein said post comprises telescoping tubular members, with the outer member being securely held in the well.
 12. In combination with a well in the floor of a gymnasium or like arena, a retractable basketball structure mounted upon a post extendable from the well and comprising in combination therewith: a. means to raise the post from a shaft of the well to upstand from the gymnasium floor above the well and to lower the post into the shaft to retract the same to a generally upright position, said shaft being of a depth sufficient tO receive the post and permit it to be lowered below the floor; b. an arm pivotally mounted at one end adjacent the upper end of said post, said arm pivotally carrying a backstop and a goal ring adjacent its outer end; c. means for pivoting said arm upwardly to an extended position, when said post is moved upwardly; d. means for moving said backstop and goal ring into perpendicular relationship when said arm is extended; e. means for pivoting said arm downwardly to be disposed alongside said post when said post is retracted; and f. means for pivoting said backstop and said goal ring to positions alongside said arm when in retracted position.
 13. In the combination of claim 12, wherein: the end of said arm pivotally connected to said post is angularly offset.
 14. In the combination of claim 13, wherein: the remainder of said arm is telescopically extensible and retractable. 